Senators leave Washington without reaching a shutdown agreement

Government Shutdown Continues as Senators Depart Without Agreement

Senators have left Washington without reaching a resolution to the ongoing government shutdown, ensuring that the deadlock will extend into the following week.

Late Thursday, the Senate passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included numerous amendment votes, effectively wrapping up their work for the week.

They are set to return on Tuesday, as they’ll be closed on Monday for a federal holiday.

This decision not only pushes the government shutdown to two weeks by Tuesday but also results in military personnel likely missing their first paycheck due to the ongoing situation.

Earlier, Senate Democrats rejected Republicans’ seventh attempt at a “clean” continuing resolution (CR), which aimed to fund the government through the end of November.

The same trio of senators—Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada), John Fetterman (Pennsylvania), and Angus King (Maine)—joined Republicans in their vote, a pattern that has persisted for nearly two weeks.

A significant impasse remains, with neither party willing to compromise. Democrats have insisted that any agreement should include an extension of expanded health care subsidies that are due to end this year.

On the other hand, Republicans argue that a “clean” CR is the only viable option, noting that Democrats have supported such proposals multiple times in recent years, and any further discussions about tax credits should take place only after the government is functional again.

The tension between the two parties has escalated, especially after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York claimed in an interview that Democrats were gaining the upper hand politically.

“Every day is getting better for us,” he remarked to Punchbowl News.

This statement prompted laughter and criticism from Republican senators.

“Who are ‘we’?” Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned during his remarks on the Senate floor. “It’s not good for the American people. … It’s not military personnel who aren’t paid. It’s not Border Patrol agents. It’s not good for air traffic controllers.”